General tips for outdoor adventure in south-east Brazil

 

A number of factors need to be considered when conrtemplating a hike or other outdoor activity in more remote areas in Brazil: 

• Weather: the south east region of Brazil can be very hot and humid, especially in the summer (December - February). Temperatures of over 40°C and humidity of near 100% are no exception.

• Flash floods: check the weather forecast for your area and don't go hiking in the mountains when chances for heavy rain are high, 

• Food and water: Carry enough for your trip as there will probably be no supermarkets or restaurants nearby.  

• Clothing: Despite the fact that this is a tropical region, temperatures up in the mountains can drop to below zero. If you're going to hike in a high place, take warm clothing. 

• Medical facilities: in remote moutain locations you are far from the nearest medical facilities. Take a basic medical kit with you.

• Mobile phone signal: usually unavailable in remote hiking locations. That doesn't mean you shouldn't take your phone with a full battery. You never know.  

• GPS: if you have a hand held GPS (with a decent map - like this one), take it (including spare batteries) as it can be the difference between being lost or finding your way back.

 

Always take the following:

• Water (1 liter per hour)

• Food (enough for your trip)

• First aid kit

• Sunscreen

• Cap or hat

• Sunglasses

 

In addition: 

• Handheld GPS when available

• Decent footware (no need for top of the line hiking boots, but we strongly advise against wearing flip-flops)

• High energy snacks (energy bars, dried fruit, nuts...)

• Camera

• Raincoat or umbrella (on rainy days)

 

Wild animals

The forests in south-east Brazil are remains of the original Atlantic Rainforest that once covered most of Brazil's eastern regions. Therefore it is not unusual to encounter wild animals on your hike. Monkeys are the most commonly encountered animals, but these forests are also home to Puma's and leopards, snakes (some highly venomous like the coral, Cascavel (rattlesnake), jararaca (pit viper) and surucucu (bushmaster)...), spiders, scorpions and other less attractive creatures. More info about venomous animals in Brazil. While incidents are very rare, it's always better to be safe than sorry. 

 

Finally: Your guide isn't your babysit... You're an adult and expected to act like one...

 

 

DON'T

 

make too much noise

make fire

leave trash in the forest

feed the animals

 

DO...

 

Have FUN!!